Graham, Our "Boy" Is Off to Arkansas

Just a few days over 18 years ago, we had a "son". Our good friends, Mitch and Christy Fuller welcomed
into the world a little guy named, Graham Mitchell Stephens Fuller. He was born one evening after a fairly grueling day of labor if I remember correctly. Graham became our godson and a brother to Morgan and Shelbi. (Truth be known, him being a boy took alot of pressure off of me thinking I had to produce a boy in our family.)

Graham enjoyed the things that boys enjoy like dogs, beaches, music, gadgets and girls. In fact, Graham has always had a group of girls around him. When he was a baby, it was our two girls but when school came along, Graham always had girls around. Well, always maybe a little strong. He entered the scouting program and progressed through merits and badges and last week was presented his Eagle Scout. Rumor has it that he busted through the first steps of scouting quickly and then slowed down quite a bit but made Eagle Scout with just days to spare ;-).

We experienced many phases with Graham like you do with children who move from infancy to young adulthood. There were a couple of slightly annoying phases but we all have those. In fact, there are many who actually grow out of them (you know who you are). Graham has been reared on HGTV, Home Shopping and Friends. He can quote more Friends lines than I even know exist. He did a great job in his academics, choir and athletics. He has grown into an incredible young man. He loves Jesus, girls, his mom and dad, and the Turners.

We are very proud of you Graham. Saying, "So long for now," last night was pretty tough. You are a good one son. You have enough of your mom and dad in you to bring a great balance to life. We will be sure to make sure that they do OK while you are in Fayetteville. Study hard, learn alot and not just in the classroom. Experience all that you can and remember to make much of Jesus. You may get a little lonely the first few weeks. You might miss home. You will get past that. We on the other hand, will always miss you being "right up the street." It will take us a little longer but you know that we will continue to pray for you, cheer for you, and always be in your corner. You will never get away from the Turners. 

Holy Cow! A Year Already?!!

Yesterday, Sunday, August 11th, was Shelbi and Mark's 1st Anniversary. What a whirlwind the week was leading up to their wedding, and what an amazingly quick year it has been since that wonderfully, great day. This past week we were blessed to have Mark and Shelbi at the house for a few days. I have to tell you that it is very exciting to see how the two of them are honoring God in their lives and relationships. Sure makes a dad proud.

It also pretty much marks a year that Morgan and Wilson (Wil or Wil P. as I call him) have been officially dating. I am not sure if I have introduced Wil to my blog readers but I guess if Morgan is going to keep him around for a year, I better do some introductions. Wil and Morgan met at Union and both graduated this past May. Wil graduated with a double major (best I remember) in history and I think biology. He is smart guy. He knows alot about alot of things but does not come across as a know-it-all by any stretch. He is his own person which I actually admire and when he called last year to ask our permission to date Morgan, I told him he would have to bring his A game because Morgan is her own person and not easily impressed (that is not a dig on Morgan, just a fact). He keeps hanging around and we like him. He and Morgan did the Warrior Dash this past weekend up in KY and so he keeps her active. It is fun to watch them interact with one another.

We also say goodbye today to Jordan who has been staying with us this summer. He was doing an internship at Sam's here in Nashville and needed a place to stay for a couple of months. Great young man who has a couple of job offers that he is mulling over. Pray that God will show Him clearly what He wants him to do. We have enjoyed having Jordan around. He has also delivered on some good pecans. Not his only contribution to our family, but a pretty good one.

I have been traveling quite a bit doing training on the weekends and finding myself a little tired but I get so energized spending time with student/youth leaders across the country. So many people who love Jesus and students and their families. It is a privilege to learn from them.

Sondra is still simply amazing. We continue to pray for her mom and her back. She is slowly getting some better. It is a long process. We are grateful for the care that Bronwyn and Phil are providing for her and are planning to go to either OK or MO in the next few weeks to celebrate Joyce's 80th birthday.